Oyo police rescue 15-year-old kidnap victim, neutralise suspect along Awe-Iwo Road

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old boy abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a security operation along the Awe-Iwo Road axis.

The operation, which took place on 22 October 2026, also led to the recovery of an Android mobile phone and a cutlass, while other suspected members of the kidnapping gang escaped with suspected gunshot injuries.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a press release issued on Sunday, 25 October 2026.

According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence received by the Command at about 5 p.m. on 22 October, indicating that suspected kidnappers were demanding ransom for the release of the victim, who was abducted on 18 October.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, subsequently directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section to launch an operation in collaboration with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria to rescue the victim and apprehend the suspects.

The security operatives mobilised to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe-Iwo Road, where they advanced on the suspected kidnappers’ hideout.

The statement said the operation resulted in a gun duel at about 9:30 p.m. after the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the advancing security team.

Despite the attack, the operatives successfully rescued the victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, a 15-year-old boy, while one unidentified suspected kidnapper was neutralised during the encounter.

The police said the neutralised suspect was taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead, adding that his corpse had been deposited at the morgue.

Other members of the gang reportedly fled in different directions with suspected gunshot injuries.

The Command said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and urged residents of the Awe-Iwo Road axis and adjoining communities to remain vigilant and report anyone found with suspicious gunshot wounds.

It also called on medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers to promptly alert the police if anyone suspected to be connected with the incident sought treatment for gunshot injuries.

The Command assured members of the public that credible information would assist ongoing investigations and efforts to bring the fleeing suspects to justice.

Reaffirming the Police Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, CP Ayodeji said the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with relevant security stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks across the state.

He also urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remained essential to ensuring lasting security.

The police advised residents to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre on its toll-free line, 615, or the Oyo State Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413 in case of emergencies.